Maintenance and Modifications
FAA Sidesteps Ruling To Show Cause on Drug Testing
In the continuing saga of the Aeronautical Repair

In the continuing saga of the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) versus the FAA’s drug testing policy, the FAA employed an unanticipated evasive maneuver.

“As an initial reaction, it appears the FAA has issued a determination to prevent the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia from issuing the writ of mandamus for which ARSA petitioned on February 17,” said Craig Fabian, ARSA’s v-p of regulatory affairs and assistant general counsel. On March 1, the court gave the FAA ten days to show cause why it should not issue the requested writ and stay the application of the agency’s drug-and-alcohol testing rules to maintenance subcontractor employees while the FAA completes the final regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA).